Everything you want to know about a prosthetic eye

Losing an eye due to an accident or illness is a very emotional and sad experience. It has a huge impact on both the physical and mental health. But today, with advanced medical science, there are solutions that can help you in such a situation. One such solution is a prosthetic eye. Let's talk about this today.

Simply put, what is this artificial eye?

An artificial eye, or in medical terms, an ``Ocular Prosthesis,'' is a special medical device that looks exactly like a real eye and is used to fill the empty eye socket where one of your eyes has been removed. Some people used to call these "glass eyes," but these are now often made of a special type of acrylic rather than glass.

There are two main reasons for using an artificial eye:

1. Aesthetic: Losing an eye can make a big difference in a person's appearance. This can make some people feel very scared and anxious about going out in public and meeting new people. Wearing a prosthetic eye that is made to fit your other eye perfectly can give you a sense of confidence and peace of mind about your appearance.

2. Medical: This is not just for appearance. This artificial eye helps prevent foreign objects like dust and dirt from entering the eye socket that is left empty when an eye is removed. It also helps maintain the shape and position of surrounding tissues like eyebrows and eyelashes.

Are there different types of artificial eyes?

Yes, there are several types of prosthetic eyes that are used depending on the need. Although there are pre-made "stock" ones, experts almost always recommend using a customized prosthetic eye, which is made specifically for each person. Because that is the one that fits exactly.

Let's learn more about these main types from the table below.

How does the process of getting an artificial eye work?

This is a very careful, multi-step process. Think of it like tailoring a suit that fits you perfectly, this is also something that is made specifically for you.

Step 1: Removing eye tissue

First, your ophthalmologist will surgically remove the affected eye or parts of it. This surgery is classified as ``evisceration`` or ``enucleation`` depending on the amount of tissue removed.

Step 2: Placing an implant in the eye socket

Often, at the same time as the surgery mentioned above, a small ball-like implant is inserted into the eye socket to maintain its shape. This is what allows the artificial eye to move properly when it is placed later.

Step 3: Inserting a temporary conformer

After surgery, the conformer we talked about earlier is inserted to maintain the shape of the eye socket until the permanent artificial eye is made.

Step 4: Allow time to heal

It can take several weeks or even months for the eye socket to fully heal after surgery. This time is very important.

Step 5: Taking Measurements and Making a Template

After your wounds have healed, you will be seen by an ocularist who will take a wax mold of your eye socket and take precise measurements.

Step 6: Creating the artificial eye

Using that mold, the artificial eye is meticulously crafted to match the color, shape, size, and even the delicate blood vessels of your other healthy eye. This can take several days or weeks.

Step 7: Putting on the artificial eye

Finally, your specialist will remove the temporary conformer and place the newly created artificial eye into your eye socket. He will also instruct you on how to remove and reinsert it .

What are the advantages and disadvantages of these artificial eyes?

Like anything, there are pros and cons to be aware of.

Main advantages

• Appearance and self-confidence: The biggest benefit is that your appearance will be restored. This will give you a lot of strength to face society without fear and to be happy in your heart.
• Protection: The eye socket is protected from dust and germs, and the shape of the surrounding tissues is maintained.

Possible side effects

If you follow the instructions exactly, the risk of side effects is very low . However, sometimes things like this can happen:

• Discharge from the eye socket.
• Feeling pain in the eye socket.
• Turning the lower eyelid outward (ectropion).
• Drooping of the upper eyelid (ptosis).
• Infection of the eye socket or surrounding tissues.
• Inability to completely close the eyelids (lagophthalmos).

Things to consider when using an artificial eye

The most important thing is to take care of this as if it were a part of your own body.

• Cleanliness: Clean your artificial eye only with the right products, as directed by your specialist. Using the wrong products can damage it. Also, having your artificial eye polished by a specialist at least once a year can help reduce discomfort.
• Hand washing: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your artificial eye. This can help prevent the spread of germs.
• Use of Artificial Tears: Sometimes the eye socket can become dry. In such cases, using artificial tear drops as prescribed by a doctor can provide relief.
• Avoid frequent removal: This is not something that needs to be removed as often as regular contact lenses. Many experts say that removing it less than once a month is best. Talk to your doctor about this and get advice.
• Durability: If well maintained, an artificial eye can usually last about 5 years. Some last even longer.

Coping with the experience of losing an eye is not easy. It is normal to feel fear, anxiety, and worry about your appearance. Don't think of an artificial eye as just a cosmetic procedure. It is a medical device that is essential for your mental well-being and physical safety. If you have any questions or concerns about this, talk to your doctor openly. He or she can help you find the best solution for you.